Nuno Espirito Santo has praised Nottingham Forest’s players after recording his first win as manager in a 3-1 Premier League victory at Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
The Sao Tome and Principe-born tactician took over from Steve Cooper last week but his first game against Bournemouth at the weekend ended in a 3-2 home defeat.
Forest were however able to come back from a goal down against the Magpies at St. James Park thanks to Chris Woods’ hat-trick, and Espirito Santo does not want the team to lower their guards at this point.
“The credit needs to go to the boys,” he told the club website.
“We haven’t been here a long time, but credit to them for their work.
“Congratulations to the players and to our supporters. They were amazing again and they help us so much.
“Let’s enjoy this moment, but let’s not stop here. We know we have to rest now and there is a quick turnaround.”
A first win under Nuno ???? pic.twitter.com/PLQNzjcgZd
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 26, 2023
Reflecting on the comeback, Espirito Santo said: “It changes everything. Going into the dressing room just before half-time after scoring a goal, the mood changes.
“The boys believe it, we had a good talk at half-time and said we want to go again in the second half. At the beginning of the second half, we have a fantastic chance through Morgan which gave us belief.”
The victory was Forest’s first win in eight games and sees them move above Everton to 16th place on the Premier League table.
